Essence Hotel Carlton
609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053 Australia
Lowest prices for your stay
USD 95
Fully refundable before Fri, 15 Dec
USD 110
Get rewarded with One Key
USD 85
Hotels.comUSD 110
AlgotelsUSD 86
PricelineUSD 95
View all 18 deals
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Full view
View all photos (414)414
360
Panoramas (6) 
Room & Suite (204)
About
#136 of 415 hotels in Melbourne
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Conveniently located on the fringe of Melbourne CBD is the cosy, modern accommodation, Essence Hotel Carlton, boasting the most comfortable beds providing you with the best sleep away from home. After all, you are here to explore the city and then dream of the day you've had. We are in walking distance to iconic tourist destinations such as the Queen Victoria Market and the Royal Exhibition Building. A 10 minutes' stroll to Emporium and Melbourne Central and only 20kms away from the airport. Essence Hotel Carlton is a boutique hotel featuring queen and twin rooms, sleeping a maximum of 2 people per room. Each room is equipped with a bar fridge, coffee and tea making facility, iron and ironing board with uncovered clothes rack. The property has a self service launderette and a beautiful courtyard. Accessible rooms are also available upon request.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Wifi
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Secured parking
Paid wifi
Complimentary tea
Wine / champagne
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Self-serve laundry
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Safe
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Chinese, Greek and 1 more
Location
97Great for walkers
Grade: 97 out of 100
195Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
36Attractionswithin 0.5 km
609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053 Australia
Getting there
Rental CarsSee car hire from USD 25/day
1077Reviews58Q+A100Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 274
- 475
- 209
- 80
- 39
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
Mostly very small rooms with modern but gaudy decor, a bit cramped but reasonably comfortable. Good beds, cleaned nicely, friendly staff. Rooms have tea/coffee and a small bar fridge for your own drinks/food. Not all rooms have a desk/table but there are some booths in the lobby for general use. No problems with noise from other rooms or outside. Some rooms have a view over Swanston St. Good as a place to stay if you're not spending too much time in the room hanging out or working. Close to trams, convenience store, pub, short walk to RMIT, Lygon St, Queen Victoria Market, walking distance to city central Tip: Some taxi drivers don't know this exists, and it changed names a few years ago so have the address ready.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Have the address ready because some taxi drivers haven't heard of this hotel.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. We arrived at 7AM tired and luckily there was a room available for half the cost of a days rate, which was absolutely fine & allowed us to get checked in early. The hotel itself is in a great location and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The room itself is very small, there isn’t really anywhere to put your clothes so you are pretty much living out of your suitcase. The shower pressure is excellent, and the bed is one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. The room is cleaned daily but the cleaners do come early, so unfortunately we missed a few days cleaning. The staff are all helpful and lovely. There is a washing machine & tumble dryer located in the downstairs area of the hotel which is a great addition and we used many times ($5 per each wash and $5 per each tumble dry however the machine is very big and can handle a lot). Another downside was the fact there was only two plug sockets in the room, and if you had adaptors for these you could only plug one in at a time, which can be a pain. Overall the hotel was good, just a shame the rooms were lacking in space.…
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I stayed at this hotel over the AFL Grand Final weekend. It was close to trams & trains, which was handy & a short walk to Carlton & city restaurants. My check in & out was excellent - 10/10 to the staff. I found the hotel quiet, loved the renovated bathroom, but my room was very small, even for one person, and I would have like at least one drawer to unpack into & a water glass.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
First room smelled like smoke moved to a second room. No smoke. Second day smoke smell from vents. Room too tiny. Keys didn’t work second day. High price for car park. Bathroom door does not close its like a shower door. No privacy. Hot water lacking shower Luke warm.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Check room. Make sure keys work or else you get locked in elevator
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The staff were not following COVID protocols. None wore masks. Day manager actually spoke to us with mask on chin and AROUND the safety barrier. One pen used for everything by everyone. Night manager & staff as well as other guests were all maskless. We were not asked to show proof of our vaccination status. Inspired ZERO confidence that they were actually sanitising anything. My partner also felt unsafe as there were a lot of people loitering around the building. The room was clean and tidy. Located excellently for the event we were attending. Hot water worked, loved the choice of flooring. That was all. The room offered only one single bar of soap. No shower gel, shampoo or any extra toiletries as is expected from even the most basic accomodation you can stay in anywhere else. I have stayed in youth hostels in the outback and even they offered more than a tiny bar of soap. There was no indications of any extra services offered or being available. There were no extra pillows or blankets available in the room. One very flat pillow per person and a thin doona only. The pillows were so low that I could not sleep on it and when I asked for another pillow from the night manager I was met with rudeness. He finally gave me an old, dirty pillow with no pillow case (see photos). When I asked for a pillow case he acted like I was being ridiculous. We slept badly as the bed was very hard. Actually went home and slept as we were so tired from the uncomfortable bed. Upon checkout we got stuck in the lift as the door to the G floor would not open. We finally called for help using the phone but even though the front desk manager answered and said he would be with us immediately he was not. We finally left by going back to our floor and using the fire escape to exit via the basement parking. He then told us he couldn’t hear what we were saying on the phone so basically ignored us, and then gave some rubbish excuse about the one elevator being an old one that was not for guests. Basically if we had not exited the way we did we would have been stuck in the elevator for hours being ignored. There was no signage indicating anywhere that one of the two lifts was not for guests, and if the lift was not for guests you would think it would be clearly marked so.…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Find another hotel that inspires confidence that they take COVID seriously
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Modern looking hotel with attractive decor. But why are the rooms so small? The bed in the 1st room we were allocated was right up against the wall making it difficult to get into. I went down to reception to complain and we were given a corner room, just a bit bigger. Situated at the top end of the city centre.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Ask for a corner room.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
location good Rooms clean but far too small (couldn't swing a cat} very claustrophobic, so much so we had to stay with friends for one night to get a good nights sleep. No wardrobe, or drawers tom put clothes in, virtually lived out of suitcase and had to open up and slide our other suitcase under the bed as there was no space to store it! Staff at reception very unhelpful!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Only good for single travellers or business people staying 2
1/2 nights!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Leigh Deguara, Guest Services / Front Office at Essence Hotel Carlton
Responded 21 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, I was disappointed to read that you did not enjoy your stay with us and apologize that our hotel was not up to standard. We do hope for an opportunity to welcome you back in the near future. Warm Regards Leigh Deguara Front Office Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rooms are so small, literally no space at all & be prepared to live out of your suitcase there is 3 hangers on the wall in the whole room. Shower was good. Rooms are generally clean, walls are paper thin could hear everything in next door rooms. Beds were comfy but so small. Location was ok close to the city not close to the beaches about two hour walk from St Kildas. Good if you don’t mind long walks to get to beaches. Overall probably wouldn’t stay again just due to the rooms.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Leigh Deguara, Guest Services / Front Office at Essence Hotel Carlton
Responded 8 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, It is disappointing to read that our hotel did not suit your needs. We would look forward to welcoming you back should you decide that our hotel can accommodate your requirements.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
For the typical Ibis, this isn't it, the first impressions is not great, a big panel missing in the entrance area, the bar at the front long closed up, the couches in the reception look like they belong in the tip. Great staff, room is small but works, although there is no place to hang anything but a few items. good bathroom, tram right out front that makes travel easy. The price we paid make it hard to criticize. The breakfast is very average.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with Accorhotels.com
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Leigh Deguara, Guest Services / Front Office at Essence Hotel Carlton
Responded 8 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, We do hope to welcome you back in the future. Kindest Regards
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There wasn’t much privacy. I was given a joining room with only a door separating my room from the one beside me. Every night I could hear the people who were staying in the room next to mine. It wasn’t just mumbled voices either, I could hear every word, from their conversations with each other, their phone calls, and what they were watching on TV. Which means that they would have heard me too. I’m a light sleeper and due to the noise I found it a little hard getting to sleep each night. Other than that the hotel was in a good location. It's close to great restaurants, and just north of the mall and free tram zone.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Chris Naylor, Other at Essence Hotel Carlton
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Hi Ch7411 I hope we had an opportunity to move your room, however i have raised with the reception team to be more mindful of allocating the interconnecting rooms should occupancy permit. It is a shame that this impacted what was otherwise a pleasant stay with us and i hope this doesn't deter you from staying with us in future. Regards Chris Naylor - General Manager.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
USD 83 - USD 109 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaMelbourneLygon Street
NUMBER OF ROOMS
94
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingESSENCE HOTEL CARLTON (AU$126): 2023 Prices & Reviews (Melbourne) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Essence Hotel Carlton
Which popular attractions are close to Essence Hotel Carlton?
Nearby attractions include Old Melbourne Gaol (0.5 km), Queen Victoria Market (0.5 km), and Lygon Street (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a business centre, internet access, and reduced mobility rooms.
What food & drink options are available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Essence Hotel Carlton?
Conveniently located restaurants include Da Guido La Pasta, Kazuki's, and Piccolo Mondo.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Essence Hotel Carlton?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and Greek.
Are there any historical sites close to Essence Hotel Carlton?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Melbourne Gaol (0.5 km), St. Patrick's Cathedral (1.3 km), and The Johnston Collection (2.2 km).
Is Essence Hotel Carlton accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.